A DOG breeder was arrested on suspicion of murder after a mother and daughter were found shot dead at his home yesterday.

An 82-year-old man has been arrested after two women were found shot to death at his home [PA]

John Lowe, 82, was arrested after the bodies of two women in their forties and sixties with gunshot wounds were found at his farmhouse.

Four dead dogs were also found at the property when officers were called just before 10am yesterday after reports of a firearm being discharged.

Lowe, who lives near Farnham in Surrey, had lost his licence to breed puppies after he was the subject of a BBC investigation into illegal dog breeding in 2004.

A neighbour said: "We just saw all the ambulances and police cars turn up yesterday morning and we knew something was wrong.

"The problem is all of the houses are quite spread out here - they are all about 800 metres apart so we aren't all friendly with each other.

"It's the house where Mr Lowe lives, I know that much. I have no idea who he lives with though.

"I said hello but that was about it - we only really know each other to say hello, we aren't good friends or anything."

Two women in the forties and sixties were found shot dead in Farnham [PA]

There was an issue with him selling puppies a few years ago, but I don't know what he's up to these days

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston

The victims, who Surrey Police confirmed were mother and daughter, have not been formally identified but they were known to Lowe.

Police said attempts by officers to resuscitate the women at the scene of the shooting were to no avail.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston from the Surrey and Sussex major crime unit said the motive for the killings would form part of the investigation.

He added that only one long-barrelled weapon had been found at the house and said police had dealings with Lowe in the past.

Mr Preston added that he did not believe there were any active investigations in relation to the suspect at the time of the women's deaths.

He said: "There was an issue with him selling puppies a few years ago, but I don't know what he's up to these days.

"It is extremely sad that two people have lost their lives and police family liaison officers are working to support their relatives and friends at this very difficult time.

"We are conducting a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding these two deaths, however, at this time, we believe this is an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the wider community.

"Officers remain at the scene conducting enquiries and will be on site for some time. This investigation is in its early stages and we will issue updates when we have them."

Four dogs were also found dead at the scene of the shootings [PA]

Post-mortem examinations on the women began this afternoon and investigations at the property were likely to continue until the end of the week.

The four dogs who were found dead at the farm are believed to be three German shepherds and a labrador.

The RSPA confirmed there were still animals on the premises including horses and dogs. They said they are working to secure and remove them.

A Police statement added: "The parties involved are all believed to be known to each other and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"There is not believed to be any risk to the wider community."

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